"I can hear them whispering.
...Hand please."
"Thank you."
"Watch your step. Don't want you to trip."
"Neither do I, you.
The first rule of a Soldier is to 'Not' draw attention to yourself. Just a few glances is all you need. Focus on what you're here for, and not what others think you are here for; cause the last thing you need is Obstacles."
"You feel like you've been here a time a dozen."
"I told you. This isn't my first Rodeo.
The buildings and people may be all different, but Evil never changes; so I never change; for evil is always defeated the same way."
"By a strong, beautiful, independent woman?"
"Not all heroes wear capes."
"Or long flowing dresses.
You know, how are you supposed to fight in that thing...….or even escape?"
"I didn't think that far ahead yet.
Why is your hand sweaty? Have you not been here before?"
"I told you, but you seem at ease."
"By the time you go to enough of Them, your nerves calm.
Just squeeze my hand tighter, and let the scent of my flowers calm your nerves.
Breathe it in, soak it in, and let it welcome you."
".....Thanks."
"RUBY!!!!!"
"Ma'am, don't leave this circle."
"You made it. You made it. You made it.
*Ooof*
I heard you coming, but didn't expect you to look this dashing."
"Me, dashing? I'm a shadow in your light of colour."
"Ooo. Thank you."
"Ruby, I thought you said all castles were the same?"
"If you think I was referring to Castles, then yes; they are all the same.
But the Castles don't make the Kingdom.
The people do, and as far as I'm concerned; I have never met Two twice."
"You must be Mr. Stain, who I talked on the phone with.
I have heard so much about you."
"You…..you have, Mrs.?"
"Yes, and all the stories are of the most highest esteemed."
"Pleasure.
I have heard many good stories about you as well."
"Thanks for bringing my Ruby.
Will you join us?"
"Aaaaaghhh....I wish I could, but I have to decline.
If there were two of me, then I would say yes."
"Will you join me for some good ol fashion Laser Tag? I could use some help showing the ropes."
"That.......is a yes."
"What?
You walk straight up to me, slap me across the face, and then join this foreigner for Tag, instead of me, for lunch?"
"I…..I...…I am sorry, Mrs, but it's all about who you know.....personally? And she...I mean….."
"I'm just messing with you, so stop sweating.
We may have high security, but we are not Gods you know. We are humans, just like you and everyone else. Flesh flowing, blood pumping, humans.
Say hi to us once in a while.
...…..Tell you what? You fix the plates later today?"
"Why?"
"Cause I'm coming over."
"To evict us?"
"No, Silly.
I am coming to eat.
Besides, if you cook, or your wife; I won't have to eat healthy."
"You got it.
I'll see you, Ruby.
Take care, Rosa.
Lovely meeting the both of you.
Bye.
Bye.
Bye."
"HEY, STAIN?"
"Yes?"
"Don't forget, Paint the town blue...not red."
"You got it."
"Huh?"
"Nothing, Rosa.
Just a thing we say."
"Oh, well I say we go inside. How about it?"
"I'd love to."
"Once inside, we can talk all about what you have experienced here in my Kingdom, and what has caught your eye.
Can't wait. I'm sure you have so much to tell."
"I so do that I don't even know where to start."